Article excerpt

Sean Mahan finds himself at the center -- literally -- of a
Steelers offense that ranks second in the NFL in rushing and fifth
in scoring. The team's only significant free agent signing during
the offseason, Mahan beat out Chukky Okobi for the starting center
job during training camp and has joined right tackle Willie Colon as
one of two new starters on the Steelers' offensive line.

Prior to signing with the Steelers, Mahan played four seasons for
the Tampa Buccaneers (three of those were when Mike Tomlin was the
team's defensive backs coach), starting 29 of 33 games in 2005-06.

These days, Mahan is not just a proud member of the black and
gold, but also a humbled Golden Domer. The Tribune-Review recently
caught up with Mahan and talked to him about the Steelers' great
tradition at center, their great tradition, period, and yes, the
struggles of his alma mater, Notre Dame.

Q: What is going on with Notre Dame (The Irish were 0-3 going
into a game against Michigan State)?

A: They lost a lot of starters (from) last year, and they're a
rebuilding, young team, I guess. They'll right the ship, hopefully.

Going Back to Houston: Like So Many of America's Sports-Hungry Cities, Houston, Tex., Saw Its Longtime NationalFootballLeague Team Move to Another Region of the Country, Only to Have It Replaced by Another FranchiseBarrett, Wayne M..
USA TODAY, Vol. 132, No. 2700, September 2003